Binary Population Synthesis

TL;DR

Binary population synthesis is a crucial method in astrophysics for modeling binary star evolution and understanding the formation of various exotic objects, with ongoing developments in stability criteria and future prospects.

Contribution

This review provides a comprehensive overview of binary population synthesis, emphasizing stability criteria for mass transfer and future directions in the field.

Findings

Highlights the importance of stability criteria in binary evolution

Discusses applications in galaxy analysis and cosmic evolution

Outlines future research perspectives

Abstract

Binary interactions lead to the formation of intriguing objects, such as compact binaries, supernovae, gamma ray bursts, X-ray binaries, pulsars, novae, cataclysmic variables, hot subdwarf stars, barium stars, and blue stragglers. To study the evolution of binary populations and the consequent formation of these objects, many methods have been developed over the years, of which a robust approach named binary population synthesis (BPS) warrants special attention. This approach has seen widespread use in many areas of astrophysics, including but not limited to analyses of the stellar content of galaxies, research on galactic chemical evolution, and studies concerning star formation and cosmic re-ionization. In this review, we discuss the role of BPS, its general picture, and the various components that comprise it. We pay special attention to the stability criteria for mass transfer in binaries, as this stability largely determines the fate of binary systems. We conclude with our perspectives regarding the future of this field.